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MOGADISHU // A UAE-funded military training centre has been opened in Somalia’s capital, with the aim of building a brigade to protect the country.

Hassan Mohamud, Somalia’s president, and Mohammed Al Othman, the UAE’s Ambassador to Somalia, opened the centre for the Somali armed forces on Tuesday, the state news agency, Wam, reported.

Mr Al Othman said it was important to strengthen Somalia’s ability to confront the terrorist group Al Shabab, which was undermining peace and stability there.

“The UAE will spare no effort to stand by the Somali people, who have been enduring the scourge of civil war and terrorism for more than two decades,” Mr Al Othman said. “The UAE is working hard to provide the necessary support that helps Somalia to restore its security and stability.”

The UAE envoy was also planning on opening the UAE Hospital in Somalia, which will provide free medical care to more than 300 patients a day.

Mr Mohamud thanked Sheikh Khalifa, President of the UAE, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, for the generous assistance they had extended to his country, and for standing with Somalia, which he said has suffered from political and economic crises over the past 23 years.

‘’The UAE was the first country that swiftly responded to the Somali government’s call for upgrading the deteriorating social services. It has built police stations, schools and health clinics,” he said.